iPods are convenient media players which was launched in October 2001. It was a model of media player which was designed as well as marketed only by Apple initially. iPods have become a very popular device among the youth due to its compact size and great use. The most important reason for the popularity of iPods is its portable size.

Apple offers you a wide range of design with features ranging from a simple music player to a 2 inch wide screen for video viewing. Among these, the most popular design even now, is the simple digital audio player. The player consists of a central click wheel which is one of the reasons that makes iPod very easy and fast to use.

The iPod shuffle is different from the common range of iPod. The iPod mini was commonly preferred until the introduction of iPod nano. The iPods, like many other digital audio players, also have the capacity to work like an external data storage device i.e. you can store data in an iPod just like any other storing device.

The software generally used for the conversion of music into the iPod`s format is the Apple iTunes. iTunes have the capacity to create a complete music library on your computer as well as play music for you from a CD. Along with these you can also transfer videos, photos as well as calendars into the device that would help you.

Apple, the manufacturer of iPod chiefly focused on the development of its user interface and its ease of use for us, instead of its technical capabilities. The approach has got mixed response from the users.

How would you judge the quality of any electronic equipment? The answer is its durability, guarantee as well as its connectivity. And in the case of iPods, for better connectivity a Fire Wire connection was used to connect it to your computer which not only allows data updates from your computer but also recharges your iPod`s battery. You can also recharge the battery with the help of a power adapter.

For allowing USB or Fire Wire connectivity you can include a dock connector. The dock connector also brings you opportunities like exchanging sound, power and data with an iPod that has actually created a wide market of accessories. The iPod shuffle of second generation uses a single 3.5 mm jack that works both as a headphone jack and as a data port. The iPods of fourth generation as well the iPod mini recharges itself from the USB connection itself. Due to the widespread adoption of USB 2.0, Apple discontinued the use of Fire Wire for the purpose of data transmission.

With the growing popularity of iPods, a large number of accessories are now available for you to use with it. Among these, a large fraction is created by third party companies; however Apple has also created some of the accessories like iPod Hi-Fi. The range of accessories has grown so much that the complete market of iPod and its accessories has been named as iPod ecosystem!

There are a number of accessories that could add features to your iPod that are normally included in other music players, but are not available on an iPod. For e.g. FM radio tuners, sound recorders, visual/audio cables for connectivity to television as well as wired remote controls. Likewise, there are other accessories that would offer unique features to your iPod like Nike+iPod pedometer as well as a camera connector to an iPod.

The excitement instilled by the looks and the Zen-like simplicity of the device has certainly raised the level of expectation from the entire consumer electronics industry. The iPod has changed our lives in a number of ways. Its insular nature shields us in public places with a collection of our favorite music!